The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Saweren J. Dennis (MCSN: 637145), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Leader of a Demolition Team of Company A, First Engineer Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 20 to 27 September 1950. Assigned the mission of clearing mine fields in the path of the infantry regiment and its supporting tanks, Staff Sergeant Dennis courageously led his four-man team in an operation which resulted in the removal of approximately one hundred and seventy-five antitank mines which were impeding the advance. When enemy fire was heaviest, he directed his team to take cover while he went on alone in front of the friendly tanks, pulling out mines and clearing an approach route. Although on many occasions the infantry assault units were pinned down by intense hostile fire, he voluntarily moved forward to breach enemy mine fields and to point out targets for the tank gunners. By his daring initiative, outstanding courage and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk, Staff Sergeant Dennis upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Staff SergeantBatallion:
1st Engineer BattalionDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
September 3, 1950
Headquarters, 8th U.S. Army Korea (EUSAK), General Orders (November 1, 1950)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Staff Sergeant Saweren J. Dennis (MCSN: 637145), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, First Engineer Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near Yongsan, Korea, on 3 September 1950. On this date, Sergeant Dennis was a squad leader of a squad engaged in laying an anti-tank mine field in front of the First Battalion, Fifth Marines area in the Yongsan sector. Sergeant Dennis was charged with the responsibility of laying an antitank mine field along the main road leading into the heart of enemy held territory. Although he was continuously exposed to enemy automatic and small arms fire he courageously supervised the laying of the antitank mine field setting an example of efficiency and bravery for his squad. After completion of his assigned task he, alone, regardless of danger from enemy fire, scouted the area along the main road to his front for possible enemy laid antitank mine fields. He discovered such field, killed an enemy soldier in the process, and removed then enemy antitank mines from the field. This act undoubtedly saved the lives of friendly troops and tanks during their advance the following morning. It also afforded the engineers of the Brigade with their first example of enemy antitank mines for study and comparison. Again on the third and fourth of September, he was in charge of a mine detection squad. Working under enemy sniper fire he was instrumental in removing thirty additional enemy antitank mines from fields obstructing the Battalion’s advance. On the morning of 5 September he sighted an enemy vehicle hidden in a village in the path of leading attack units of friendly troops. Moving forward rapidly, heedless of danger to himself, he killed the driver and captured the vehicle. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Dennis reflects great credit on himself and the naval service.